Continuum (The Julie Penrose Fountain) is one of the largest sculptural fountains in the United States. It stands over 4 stories tall and weighs more than 24 tons. Set in America the Beautiful Park against the striking backdrop of Pikes Peak Mountain, the work was inspired by the mountain itself, “where the silent rotation of snow, melt water, and irrigation are on timeless display,” according to the artists.
A popular respite on hot summer days, Continuum has 366 water jets spraying water that is then captured in the spiral river below. The piece slowly turns as well, completing four rotations per hour.
Colorado Springs natives, artist Bill Burgess and architect David Barber were selected anonymously through an international call for artists that received 160 proposals. Based on their award-winning design, the piece was engineered and built by a local firm, Springs Fabricators.
Funds for the fountain came in large part from a gift from the El Pomar Foundation, in honor of local philanthropist Julie Penrose’s passion for arts and culture. Continued maintenance and care for the work is managed by The Friends of Julie Penrose Fountain, a non-profit fund of the Pikes Peak
